Exploring the Chemistry, Biological Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential of Squalamine and Trodusquemine

This review highlights the chemistry and therapeutic potential of the shark-derived aminosterols squalamine and trodusquemine. It surveys the evolution of synthetic strategies developed to access these structurally unique natural products, with emphasis on stereoselective and more efficient routes to squalamine. It also examines their broad spectrum of biological activities, including antiangiogenic, antimicrobial, antiparasitic and antiviral effects, together with the anti-obesity properties of trodusquemine and the emerging interest of both aminosterols in neurodegenerative disorders. Altogether, these studies position aminosterols as promising membrane-active scaffolds for future drug discovery, even though no compound from this class has yet reached the market.